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Travel Guide: Must-Do Activities in Rome

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Travel Guide: Must-Do Activities in Rome

A holiday in Rome is not complete without these must-see travel attractions and activities!

The vibrant outdoor markets of Campo dei Fiori provides a lively scene, filled with throngs of eager shoppers, friendly vendors and plenty of colours, flavours and scents. Holidaymakers on a budget will find a plethora of stores selling fresh produce perfect for a picnic lunch, or for cooking a delicious dinner back in their vacation rental.

[ROMAN-HOSPITALITY https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Rome–Italy?lat=41.90278349999999&lng=12.496365500000024]
 

Art lovers should not miss out on a visit to Gelleria Borghese. Housed in a villa in the middle of the Borghese family estate, the impressive collection includes works by neoclassical artists such as Antonio Canova, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. 

An exploratory stroll is one of the best way to discover the beauty of Rome. Venturing from vicolo to vicolo, piazza to piazza, you will set sight on an array of charming streets and quaint shops. Make time for a fascinating two hour stroll that will take you across Ponte Sisto and the magnificent Tiber River.  

Starting off from Piazza Navona, you will venture southwards through the lively markets of Campo dei Fiori, before arriving at Piazza Farnese. From there, head towards Ponte Sisto, where you will cross Tiber River to arrive at the captivating neighbourhood of Trastevere.

Now a state of ruins, the Roman Forum was once ancient's Rome majestic centerpiece, a striking district of temples, basilicas and public spaces. Countless of events, ranging from grand processions and key elections, to criminal trials, gladiator fights and prostitution have occurred at this historical site.

An exploratory walk along its cobbled streets is an activity not to be missed. Start off your expedition from the Capitoline Hill, before proceeding on to other points of interest within the site. 

The Fontana di Trevi, Rome's largest and most famous fountain, definitely earns a spot on any list of must-do travel activities related to the city. The fountain depicts a fascinating scene of Neptune's chariot being led by Tritons with sea horses. Extremely busy during the day, the attraction is crowded with hordes of visitors keen on following the belief that tossing a coin guarantees a return to Rome. If you do not plan on performing the conventional coin toss into the fountain, jostling with the crowds ceases to be a problem. Instead, sit back, relax and spend your time people watching at one of Rome's renowned sites. 

  • Eat a Roman Feast

Round off a memorable tour of Rome with a delectable feast of Roman delights. If you are an off-the-beaten-path traveller who is not keen on eating at touristy joints, you will enjoy eating as the Romans do at restaurants and food haunts frequented by the locals. Otherwise, you might want to try eating with the locals of Rome, for it is a unique travel experience that provides deep insights into the culture and cuisines of the Italians. 

You will not go wrong with opting to dine on a spread of Roman classics. Travellers in a mood of grandeur will find that a meal of imperial Roman fare will suit their palates to a T, while those with a taste for wholesome dishes will be sure to enjoy a vegetarian feast. 

Do not miss out on eating with the locals in Rome! Take a look at our selection of dining experiences in Rome here. 

Image Credits: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

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Cultural Festivals to Go Before You Die

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Cultural Festivals to Go Before You Die

Imagine yourself toasting a cup of beer to another stranger, or dancing along the streets with hundreds of others? There are so many festivals in the world that do not restrict to only the locals, foreigners are welcome too!

1. Bastille Day, Paris

Just like July 4th in the US, France is decked out in red, white and blue, but instead of beer and backyard barbecues, this more formal celebration features decorated military, lush banquets and red wine. Across the world freedom is celebrated with a bang at Bastille Day, and on this night, The City of Light shines brighter than any. It’s an honor to eat in a French home on Bastille Day; do your best to ingratiate yourself with a local. The meal is typically light with lots of fruits and vegetables, quiches, and salads. The largest celebrations take place in Paris, but other events occur throughout France.

2. Carnevale di Ivrea, Ivrea Italy 

This is a festival that celebrates the event when commoners rise up against an oppressive ruler. At the Carnevale di Ivrea , however, the battle isn’t waged with guns and swords—oranges are the weapon of choice. Every year, the tiny northern city of Ivrea in the Turin province stockpiles 500,000 kilograms of fresh oranges for a re-creation of a historic fight between townsfolk and a ruling tyrant. Teams wage a full-on fruit war, and not even a red-capped declaration of sovereignty can protect you from getting juiced Carnival of Venice.

3. Carnevale di Venezia, Venice 

The original Carnival of Venice took place in 1162 to honor one of Venice’s victorious battles when the city was known as the “Repubblica della Serenissima”. To best understand Carnival of Venice, you need to understand the importance of the maschera or masks. The mask allowed citizens to behave wildly and adopt alter egos without the fear of social consequence. This Carnival takes place for the period leading up to Ash Wednesday in watery Venice, Italy.

4. Infiorata di Genrazno, Rome

Many Italian towns hold an Infiorata, a festival of flowers that trace their beginnings in Italy to the 13th century but the one in Genzano is possibly Italy’s largest and and certainly the most renowned. The official year of origin of the Genzano festival is 1778, when it was started to celebrate Corpus Christi (Latin for ”body of Christ”). It’s a high holy day in the Catholic church celebrating the Eucharist, perceived by Catholics as the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

5. Paris Techno Parade

Meet street music turned up to eleven: DJs, subwoofers, and sound-mixers sit atop decked-out flat bed trucks, which ply through a heaving sea of 400,000 people—mostly young, cool, and determined to live out loud. Parade participants are quick to point out the unifying spirit of the music, which despite its futuristic electro-sound, draws inspiration from tribal rhythms. “The beats are so loud they hit you in the stomach; the only thing you can do is obey them, and dance,” says one participant. The organizers have been keen to promote diversity, erase class and racial lines, and bring everyone into the same heartbeat.

Image Credits: Walks of Italy, Carnevale Di Venezia, Paris Saint Honore, Travelever, Wikipedia

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Dining in Singapore: Feastin’ with Locals!

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Dining in Singapore: Feastin’ with Locals!

Mention food and dining in Singapore, and one immediately conjures up images of vibrant hawker centres, posh restaurants, popular eateries and cosy cafes – dining options that make up the local food scene.

There may be a great variety of eateries in Singapore, but these are not the only ways to explore and feast on Singaporean dishes. Home dining experiences are also a great way to savour and discover more about the well-loved local delights.

Join us, as we introduce you to three Singaporeans hosts who welcome you with homely and hearty dining experiences!

Traditional Chinese Cuisine: Dine with Felice

Step into a beautiful home, and inhale the welcoming aroma that wafts out of the kitchen. Make your way to the dining room, and you will be wowed by the array of delectable dishes laid out on the table.

In the middle of the table lies an impressive-looking dish, a plate filled with succulent, tender slices of roast pork belly. A variety of hearty and wholesome selections, such as tangy yuzu-honey prawns, steamed mushrooms with minced meat, chewy Hakka yam abacus and seabream cooked in a savoury black bean sauce are served as scrumptious accompaniments.

Malay Delights: Feast with Hanim

A mound of steamed rice lies on a plate with a large pandan leaf laid upon it. A variety of yummy-looking sides fill up the plate – crispy chicken, cool slices of cucumber, fried anchovies, fragrant, crunchy peanuts and a sunny side-up egg.

Tuck into the rice, and you will be surprised by how wonderfully fragrant it is. The secret to the irresistible fragrance of the nasi lemak lies in the use of two ingredients in the preparation of the rice – coconut milk and pandan leaves.

This may be a satisfying and hearty dish, but do make space in your stomach for desserts, for a cold, creamy bowlful of bubur chacha will be served as a sweet treat to end off a satisfying meal.

Indian Flavours: Rooftop Dining with Amrita

Arrive at Amrita’s, and be prepared to tingle your tastebuds with a wide selection of Indian dishes from different regions within the country.

Traditional Biryani rice, a Southern specialty consisting of tender grains with a hint of aromatic spices, will be served, along with a rich chicken gravy. Other Northern delights, such as a smooth, creamy paneer and chapatis, a type of flatbread, will also be prepared. This delicious meal will be enjoyed at Amrita’s rooftop terrace, a lovely spot boasting scenic views.

Gorgeous views and a wonderful dinner – who can say no to this delightful dining experience?

Image credits: myfancypantry.files.wordpress.com, theironfryingpan.files.wordpress.com

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